Developing a Remote Access Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation Lab

The development of an Internet-based remote access hardware-in-the-loop simulation system is presented. Traffic controllers, controller interface devices, and computers to run microscopic traffic simulations are available in the local laboratory for remote users to run simulations remotely via the Internet. A web site has been created that can be used for scheduling the use of the system, to manage users and to manage the system as a whole. Remote access laboratory capabilities were implemented to facilitate training and applications for traffic control systems for a variety of geographically dispersed end users. The tools allow traffic engineering students and professionals to remotely use the traffic controllers and controller interface devices located at National Institute for Advanced Transportation Technology's (NIATT's) Traffic Operations and Control Laboratory. They are able to test traffic control strategies and to learn about how to do traffic signal timing using real-time hardware-in-the-loop simulation techniques.